Weekend success for Scotland

Scotland proved itself as ‘the perfect stage’ for a range of first-class events over the weekend as it played host to some of the best sporting stars and musicians from across the world.

From Greenock to Inverness, there was something for everyone to enjoy and the locals and visitors alike were entertained from start to finish.

Luke Donald backed up his World number 1 ranking with a fine victory at the Barclays Scottish Open at Castle Stuart. The new venue for the national open welcomed over 51,000 visitors across the eventual three days of play and there was plenty for the Scottish fans to cheer about when Scott Jamieson finished in tied for third place and grabbed a last-minute spot in this week’s Open Championship.

Yet more Scottish cheers could be heard at Braehead arena from 8-10 July when Great Britain defeated Luxembourg in the Davis Cup thanks to the fine performances of Andy Murray, his brother Jamie and James Ward. Andy was brought to tears as he celebrated their victory in front of the sell-out crowd. Their win now gives them a home tie against Hungary in September with the winner being promoted to the second tier of the Davis Cup competition.

Balado was transformed over the weekend as thousands of music-lovers soaked up the thrilling line-up of artists performing at T in the Park. Coldplay headlined Saturday night while other highlights included Pulp’s reunion, Beyoncé, Artic Monkeys and the Foo Fighters.

Last but not least, over 60 Tall Ships will leave the port of Greenock today and set sail towards Lerwick, Shetland. After docking on the west coast where over 120,000 visitors came to marvel at the vessels over the weekend, they set sail around Scotland’s magnificent coastline for the Cruise in Company phase of the event which will see the vessels dock in the Shetland Isles later this month for the third stage of the 2011 Tall Ships Races.